Chapter 2

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It has been such a long and awful first day of work. This is my first job after graduation, and I end up in the fucking emergency room that I work at. This is beyond ridiculous and humiliating. It has been hours since my CT and no results. Amelia is finishing up her twelve hour shift. It's almost seven in the evening, and I am completely wiped.

I take a deep breath and allow my body to relax letting my eyes close. I can feel my body sink into the mattress as it slowly gives up. I really just want to go home, but this feels so good. My brain allows my dreams to seep into vision.

Oh no! Not this one. The one dream that plays on repeat. The one dream I could live without.

I'm curled up under my bed with her. My hand is over her mouth praying she doesn't make a sound. He can't find us. I'm so afraid of what will happen if he does. I hear his footsteps against the old hardwood floor coming down the hall. "Come out, come out wherever you are." He sings as I hear something slapping against his hands repetitively. My breath hitches, and then she whimpers.

I jump as I'm jarred from my dream knowing what will come next. I hear the chair scoot against the tiled hospital floor. Startling me even more I look over expecting to see Amelia, but it's Grant.

He must have gone home and showered. He is in a fresh set of clothes. His dark blue tee hangs loose around his abdomen and tight against his arms. The color brings out his eyes even more. I can smell his body wash as if he's just jumped out of the shower. It is a fresh mint mixed with a woodsy mahogany musk.

"Bad dream?" He asks groggily. He must have dozed off, too. How long has he been here? What time is it? Ignoring his question I ask where Amelia is.

"She wanted to stay, but I told her I would. She'd mentioned you guys had plans with a group of friends?" He questioned.

I shake my head to reorient myself. "Uh yeah. A group of us girls from nursing school were planning to go out and celebrate our new jobs." He nods his head in acknowledgement, "You really don't have to stay. I'm okay to be alone. This wait has been ridiculous. I'm really just wanting to see Dr. Ashburn and get home."

"Clara, I'm not going anywhere. Quit being stubborn and let me stay." I let out a huff of frustration and defeat before he adds, "Plus, Amelia said I was dead if I left you after promising I would stay and keep an eye on you."

Well that sounds like something she'd say. I just don't understand why this guy, who I don't even know, willingly wants to stay with me. The last guy who wanted to stay with me made it impossible to want the same. His protectiveness and aggressive idea of love pushed me away resulting in what ultimately tore me in two. I am very skeptical of any man who wants me anymore. I'm so afraid to let those walls down. I can't ever go through something like that again. It will kill me, literally.

Lost in thought I hadn't noticed the doctor come in until he pulls a chair up beside the bed. "Clara, I've got your results here. Do you want your friend in here for this?" He asked, glancing over to Grant.

Grant clears his throat and stands up. "I'll just be outside."

Damn it, I think to myself, "Grant." He turns to look at me waiting for me to continue. "You can stay if you want." I said, giving in. I figure if he's waited this long, the least I could offer was for him to stay for the results.

"Um okay," he says sounding surprised. After he reclaims his seat, Dr. Ashburn clears his throat lifting the paper on the clipboard he carries.

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